Information needs of parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

OBJECTIVE: To determine the information needs of parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of parents recruited from pediatric hospital clinics, support groups, and newspaper advertisements in Victoria, Australia, was undertaken. Parents completed a questionnaire covering information sources accessed, the quality of this information, the information content they considered important and their preferred information modes. RESULTS: Survey data were collected from 99 parents. Parents most frequently accessed information from pediatricians (89%), books (78%), general practitioners (65%), and schools (61%). Pediatricians were rated highest as a useful, trusted, easy-to-understand, and up-to-date information source. Parents placed most importance on causes and symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Parents preferred to receive verbal information from a professional (69%). CONCLUSION: Information provision for parents of children with ADHD is a continuous process. Although they access a range of sources and modes, parents prefer verbal information delivery.